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JFE Steel and Hitachi's Innovative Collaboration

In a significant development in the manufacturing sector, JFE Steel Corporation and Hitachi, Ltd. have embarked on a collaborative journey aimed at evolving their solution business known as JFE Resolus™. This innovative partnership seeks to combine the strengths of both companies to enhance the solutions catered to the manufacturing industry.

The Purpose Behind Collaboration

JFE Steel, recognized for its commitment to high-quality steel production, desires to leverage its unparalleled expertise in technology, operational management, and research to propel the JFE Resolus initiative. The aim is to address pressing societal challenges across the manufacturing landscape. By integrating Hitachi's extensive experience in digital transformations and creating solutions through its Lumada business, both companies will work closely to support JFE Steel’s journey from conception to execution of its solutions.

The Evolution of JFE Resolus

Historically, JFE Steel has been dedicated to producing high-added-value products while focusing on advanced equipment maintenance and reducing environmental impacts. The partnership with Hitachi signifies a strategic vision aimed at expanding JFE Steel’s solution-oriented business model, further enhancing collaboration opportunities domestically and internationally.

Previously, the two firms have worked together on projects such as automatic control systems in cold rolling processes, paving the way for further developments. This new collaboration intends to deepen the existing relationship, propelling the growth of the JFE Resolus initiative and enriching the industry as a whole.

Methodology of the Collaboration

Hitachi has formulated a structured methodology based on the practical expertise gained from its Lumada project — a cornerstone of their digital transformation efforts. The partnership will focus on specific challenges JFE Steel faces as they look to expand their solution offerings, focusing mainly on service design, implementation, and commercialization driven by customer perspectives.

From May 2025, both companies will utilize Hitachi's established methodologies to address these challenges. This includes sharing insights on sales and upstream engineering methods, case studies, and developing comprehensive strategies for their collaborative endeavors.

Moreover, Hitachi is committed to leveraging their vast knowledge base and training methodologies to visualize, re-use, and extend JFE Steel’s internal know-how. This approach will ensure continuous growth and elevate the sophistication of their solution offerings.

Upcoming Events: Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2025

As part of their ongoing collaboration, JFE Steel and Hitachi will engage in a discussion during the upcoming Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2025 Japan Digital Week, scheduled from July 24 to August 29, 2025. During this event, their representatives will share insights and future strategies regarding the expansion of JFE Steel's solution business.

Speakers

• - Kou Akagi, Executive Officer at JFE Steel
• - Nobutaka Kataoka, Head of Digital Business Development at Hitachi

Akagi emphasized the collaboration's role in enhancing customer service and organizational management through Hitachi's support. Kataoka reiterated Hitachi's commitment to further enhancing the solution business via AI and insights from other industries.

The upcoming forum represents a vital opportunity for both firms to showcase their expert knowledge and cooperative spirit, which promises to foster sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector as a whole.

For more information, you can visit the official sites of JFE Steel and Hitachi.